Barcelona have filed a formal complaint against two former Real Madrid players turned pundits after they suggested Barca forward Neymar deserved the kick he received from Real midfielder Isco in this month’s La Liga ‘Clasico’.
Isco, who had come on as a substitute 10 minutes into the second half of Barca’s 4-0 win at the Bernabeu, lashed out in ap-parent frustration at Neymar and was shown a red card.
According to Barca, former Real players Manolo Sanchis and Poli Rincon “publically and repeatedly justified the aggression” on Spanish radio and the club said they had filed a complaint with a Spanish government commission that seeks to combat violence in sport.
Sakho injury a big blow for West Ham
Diafra Sakho’s latest injury setback is a big blow for West Ham United, manager Slaven Bilic said, after the striker suffered a muscle strain in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with West Brom.
The 25-year-old was forced off 16 minutes from time.
Sakho joins Dimitri Payet on the treatment table and Bilic said it was too early to determine how long he would be sidelined.
“We still have to wait and the specialist will see him to give an opinion. It looks like a muscle injury and the first news is not the best. It is a big blow,” Bilic said.
Bolasie hails Palace boss Pardew
Yannick Bolasie is delighted to have already equalled his last season’s goal tally and believes Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew deserves all the credit.
The London side thrashed Newcastle 5-1 on Saturday and Bolasie netted twice, taking him to four overall – the same tally he managed last season.
“I don’t have a total (in mind) but I think the improvements you see – four goals last season and four goals already this season,” Bolasie said.
“I don’t think people expected it but it’s all down to the gaffer and what he does in training.”
Voro, Neville put in charge at Valencia
Voro has been named interim Valencia coach, with Phil Neville as his assistant, following the resignation of Nuno late Sunday.
Nuno announced his departure following the 1-0 loss to Sevilla, but said he had already informed chairman Peter Lim of his decision prior to kick-off.
In their first formal statement regarding affairs yesterday evening, Valencia said Voro would take charge until a permanent successor is found.
Voro, who made more than 200 appearances for Valencia as a player, has twice taken caretaker charge of the club before.
He was joined by Neville, the former Manchester United first-team coach, in leading a training session yesterday.
LVG calms fears over Rooney injury
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has moved to calm fears that captain Wayne Rooney (picture) is set for a spell on the sidelines after the striker limped out of Saturday’s 1-1 league draw with Leicester.
Rooney had little impact on the game and was substituted in the second half.
“No, I don’t think it’s an injury to Wayne. I wanted to change one of the strikers,” Van Gaal told reporters.
“It could have been Martial or it could have been Rooney because they were not always running behind the central defenders, and I want that.
“Because of this, I wanted to change but then he was limping and then the choice was easy for me to make.”
Verona sack coach Mandorlini
Winless Verona have sacked head coach Andrea Mandorlini after the club slumped to the bottom of the Serie A table on Sunday.
Mandorlini won two promotions with Verona, restoring them to the top flight in 2013, but after two promising seasons the Gialloblu are staring at relegation having failed to win any of their 14 games.
A 3-2 defeat to Frosinone proved to be the final straw for the Verona board although Mandorlini, 55, did lead training at Peschiera del Garda yesterday morning.
Reports in Italy suggest Eugenio Corini, who most recently managed city rivals Chievo, is poised to take over at Verona.
Coutinho comeback
Midfielder Philippe Coutinho is on course to return to Liverpool’s squad for their League Cup quarter-final clash against Southampton tomorrow, manager Juergen Klopp has said.
Liverpool have been without Coutinho since the Brazilian picked up a hamstring injury during their 4-1 win over Manchester City late last month.
“Philippe had a very intensive session (on Saturday) but we decided two or three days ago that we didn’t want to risk (him) for this game,” Klopp said after the Swansea game on Sunday.
“Now I think he’s fit. I saw him in the dressing room and he looks good... I think he’s ready for Southampton.”